Abdel-Hady et al., M. (2023). Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies of Integrated Wheat-Fish Farming Practices in Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 27(6), 621-633. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.329543
Mahmoud M. Abdel-Hady et al.. "Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies of Integrated Wheat-Fish Farming Practices in Egypt". Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 27, 6, 2023, 621-633. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.329543
Abdel-Hady et al., M. (2023). 'Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies of Integrated Wheat-Fish Farming Practices in Egypt', Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 27(6), pp. 621-633. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.329543
Abdel-Hady et al., M. Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies of Integrated Wheat-Fish Farming Practices in Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 2023; 27(6): 621-633. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.329543
Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies of Integrated Wheat-Fish Farming Practices in Egypt
Recent fluctuations in global and local wheat prices have sparked a growing interest in reducing the importation of this essential crop. The primary goal of this study was to assess the technical and economic aspects of wheat cultivation in integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems, as well as identifying farmer challenges and proposing strategies to address these challenges. Following the 2023 wheat harvest season, a survey was administered to wheat farmers in Kafr El-Sheikh, El-Sharqia, and El-Buhaira Governorates, with 32 respondents. The wheat production function was developed using the Cobb-Douglas production function after analyzing the data using cost-benefit analysis. The results indicate that farmers prefer cultivating winter wheat to mitigate the risks associated with the cold tolerance of the Nile tilapia and reduce their dependence on irrigation. The average cost per hectare is around USD 49, yielding a total return of USD 1,752, a net profit of USD 1,402, and an impressive return on investment of 401%. Furthermore, the production function analysis highlighted the impact of fertilizers and pest control management on wheat productivity, with seed selection playing a significant role. Labor and location, on the other hand, did not show statistically significant relationships. Despite these promising results, wheat farmers in fish ponds face several challenges hindering the expansion and improvement of this practice. These challenges include the absence of a unified fertilization program, pest-related issues, a lack of agricultural guidance, government-imposed price constraints, difficulties in balancing fish and wheat farming, high groundwater levels, and legal issues related to wheat cultivation in integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems. The study's findings provided a comprehensive set of strategies to address these challenges, aiming to promote the broader adoption of these sustainable practices to maximize returns from land and water with minimal environmental impact and contribute to food security.
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